For the Legislature, the beginning of a new year signifies the beginning of a new legislative session – and a new opportunity to move the state forward. This new year, however, brought with it much heartache for the people of West Virginia. And when lawmakers convened at the Statehouse for the beginning of the 2006 Regular Session, it was clear that while the business of the state was on the agenda, so were sentiments of remembrance and remorse for the Sago miners and their families.
With the tragedy that occurred on January 2 in Tallmansville, WV, state and federal leaders have initiated investigations into the events surrounding the disaster. To avoid duplicating the inquiries, a bi-partisan legislative committee comprised of six lawmakers will be working with state investigators to determine what went wrong inside the mine and how such a distressing communications breakdown could occur outside of it.
This legislative component was added to not only provide a broader perspective from the committee members’ diverse constituencies during the course of the examination, but also to determine any necessary policy changes that could improve mine safety and rescue efforts.
While lawmakers continue to follow the Sago investigations, they also are moving forward with a detailed legislative calendar involving certain issues that, according to the Senate President and Speaker of the House, will likely take center-stage as the Regular Session advances. These span a variety of important matters, including the availability and affordability of health care for working West Virginians; the protection of children from abuse and neglect; and, the state’s financial standing, both now and in the future.
Although the final versions may be more far-reaching, the Legislature is working on two proposals that address citizens’ access to affordable health care. One would establish a pilot program for clinic-based health care by authorizing participating clinics and private medical practitioners to provide basic, preventive services for a prepaid fee. For more comprehensive coverage, lawmakers also are working on an insurance plan that would allow insurers to offer basic benefits that include primary and preventive care at affordable prices.
To provide for enhanced protection of West Virginia’s children, lawmakers are considering legislation that would create a special unit within the State Police to assist Child Protective Services (CPS) in child abuse and neglect investigations. Additionally, separate legislation would direct the State Police to create a state child abuse registry to further support law enforcement and CPS in monitoring the status and location of individuals convicted of these crimes.
On a similar note, members of the Legislature are looking at legislation that would provide for additional public protection from sex offenders by strengthening penalties and registration requirements. And, as lawmakers look to buckle down on sex offenders, they also will be addressing the potential need for the increased development of alternative sentencing programs.
With prison populations and operating costs projected to continue rising, legislators may consider policy measures to provide that non-violent criminals receive necessary rehabilitation and community service programming, while the most heinous and violent criminals remain incarcerated.
As part of their annual charge to balance the state’s budget, lawmakers also are considering various options for the 2006-07 budget, as well as the state’s financial future. The Executive Branch recently presented a five-year outlook of the state’s revenues and expenditures. This forecast revealed that while West Virginia’s financial picture looks strong now, there are major fiscal challenges on the horizon. According to this projection, the state could see a deficit in 2008 that could continue to grow through 2011.
In preparation for future shortfalls, the Legislature is considering increasing the Rainy Day Fund from 5 to 10 percent of the General Revenue Budget and ways to use some of the current surpluses to pay down the state’s debts. Also, in light of the present budgetary outlook, lawmakers may look to address certain immediate concerns by striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and providing the citizens of West Virginia with as much relief as possible.
Although the year began on a heavy-hearted note, members of the State Legislature, much like the citizens they represent, remain fortified in their commitments to move forward for the betterment of the state — and for the continued enrichment of a way of life that so many Americans, whose eyes have been fixed on West Virginia, now know is real, honest and invaluable.
